SYDNEY - A new law has been passed in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) which would bestow police officers with the power of using metal-detection wands to tackle knife crime.

The NSW government announced on Thursday that the new legislation would enable police to use handheld scanners or electronic metal-detecting wands to stop and scan individuals without a warrant.

At designated areas, such as shopping precincts, sporting venues, and public transport stations, the power would be activated in circumstances where a relevant offense involving weapons, knives, or violence has occurred within the past 12 months.

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A senior police officer can then make a declaration that allows police to scan people for a period of 12 hours, which can be extended if required.

As Australia's most populous state, the NSW has been shocked by a series of stabbing horrors this year, including the attack at Sydney's Bondi Westfield shopping center and the terror-related Wakeley church incident.

"Our state is still shaken following the devastating spate of knife-related violence. We have taken action to send a clear message that NSW will simply not accept these kinds of crimes," said NSW Premier Chris Minns.

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"These are common sense changes that strike a careful balance between preserving the rights of individuals and ensuring communities stay safe," he added.